Traveling: benefits beyond expectations

Traveling does not have just a single benefit; it can change one’s life physically and psychologically. There are many excuses, such as having little time or money or having a full-time job and a family, that can prevent us from the tremendous advantages of traveling. I will enumerate some but I am sure that once you try it, you will find some more yourself!

1. Traveling can improve your health

From cutting down on stress and anxiety to lowering your chances of developing heart diseases, the health benefits of traveling are huge. Of course, it's not an infallible cure, but it might help you feel better, both physically and psychologically. Trust me: travel more and your doctor will be unhappy.

2. Traveling helps in disconnecting you from your daily routine

We tend to be so caught up in our daily routines, and sometimes by simply repeating the same thing may cause more harm than good. How long do you think you can handle work and life pressure? Sometimes it is best to take a step back, take a deep breath and just take this step towards that destination you always dreamed of. In all seriousness, the worst-case scenario travel helps to induce the feeling of missing and appreciating someone or being missed and appreciated by someone.

3. Traveling can make you smarter

Get used to new cultures and languages, pick up new words every time you travel, and you will see improvements in your brain capacity. Travel to attend a training course and this will help in lowering your daily pressure. It can also add to your knowledge and skills without depriving you of seeing new places and meeting new people. In a nutshell, I'm sure that you will develop a new set of skills that you didn't know you were capable of developing.

4. Traveling makes you more Interesting

I have no doubt that traveling can help you in your conversation where you can include a few stories from abroad and get more attention. Mentioning something that most people aren't familiar with or bringing a new perspective is always a good way to shine. People want to listen to a person who spent a week in the Caribbean for example, driving an old American car across Lake Tahoe, swimming with dolphins near Phuket Island, or tasting delicious spicy food in India...etc.

5. Traveling allows you to try new tastes and great food

Eating local food in a new country is an exciting experience. All the flavors, colors and shapes are different from what we are used to. I am Lebanese and I love my country’s recipes. I guess you do too, but let's not kid ourselves; some change would be more than welcome in our daily diet. The least you can do is travel to the next region even if it is within the same country and try new food.

6. Traveling is an adventure

Despite the era of social media, digitization, and connectivity, there are many places that are little known to the average tourist. I'm currently working on my bucket list that contains, in addition to new places, easy things such as going on a hike over the weekend or camping under the stars. Being adventurous takes you out of your comfort zone. It might be a bit scary, but in retrospect, you'll see it will be the best decision you ever made.

7. Traveling expands your network

Establishing connections and building a real network is sometimes hard but it is definitely worth it. I've spent last year's New Year's Eve in Dubai at a friend’s house. I slept three days at the flat of another friend when I visited Riyadh. A year later, I was invited to a wedding in Kuala Lumper for a guy I met during a visit to Istanbul, and I actually attended! How cool is that?

8. Traveling creates everlasting memories

My dad was an amazing story-teller and he used to tell me stories of the trips he made. One of my all-time favorite tales is when he was explaining to a Chinese waiter that he doesn’t want to eat fried chicken legs while the man thought that the quantity wasn’t enough. Don’t reach a stage where you regret not traveling more. No matter how insignificant it may seem, the fact that you've had an experience abroad creates a memory that you will remember for a long time, and why not, you can even tell it to your children.

9. Traveling makes you more appreciative of your home country

The strange thing about home is that sometimes you feel good when you leave it but you really feel great once you come back. You will truly understand this only upon your return home full of new experiences, knowledge and ideas.

I have to cut it short now. I am preparing for my next travel. What do you recommend? I am all ears!

Charles J. Tawk

Senior Consultant

Mr. Charles Tawk is a senior consultant with Meirc Training & Consulting. He is a graduate of laws from the Lebanese University, a certified training practitioner (CTP™) from the Institute of Performance and Learning, Canada and is certified in occupational health and safety from Nebosh, UK. In addition, Charles earned specialized certifications in health and society from Harvard University, globalization from Texas University at Austin and international human rights from Belgium’s Louvain University. Charles is a senior certified professional by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP).

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